E-Band Downconverter

970E-70.4/86.4/387 || 70.4 to 86.4 GHz

Mi-Wave RF upconverters and downconverters provide high-performance frequency-conversion solutions for microwave, millimeter-wave, test, and advanced research systems. The 970E-75/12.5/387 970 Series Receiver is a broadband millimeter-wave downconverter designed to translate RF signals from 60 to 90 GHz into an intermediate-frequency output spanning DC to 12 GHz. This wide operating range supports laboratory measurement, signal analysis, receiver development, and experimental communication systems requiring access to broadband millimeter-wave signals.

Frequency conversion is performed using an external local oscillator operating from 10 to 15 GHz. The external LO architecture gives system designers greater flexibility when selecting frequency plans and allows the receiver to be integrated with laboratory signal generators, synthesizers, or system-level LO sources. The LO input accepts a typical drive level of +3 dBm, with tested operation from 0 to +8 dBm.

The receiver provides a typical conversion loss of 15 dB, with measured performance ranging from approximately 7 to 15 dB across the RF band. The conversion-loss chart on page 2 shows the lowest loss occurring near the center of the operating range, with loss increasing toward the upper end of the 60–90 GHz band. The unit also has a typical noise figure of 15 dB and a typical input 1 dB compression point of –5 dBm, supporting controlled signal translation for downstream amplification, digitization, and analysis.

The 970E-75/12.5/387 features a WR-12 waveguide RF input with a UG-387/U flange, providing efficient signal coupling across the millimeter-wave operating range. Both the LO input and IF output use SMA female connectors, allowing straightforward integration with conventional RF test equipment, amplifiers, spectrum analyzers, receivers, and digitizers.

Housed in a compact gold-plated 6061-T6 aluminum enclosure measuring approximately 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.9 inches, the receiver is designed for integration into space-conscious laboratory and system assemblies. It operates from a +6 to +12 VDC bias supply, with a typical supply current of approximately 0.2 A. The DC supply should be capable of sourcing at least 0.8 A during startup, and the IF output should be connected to a proper 50-ohm load before the receiver is powered.

The Mi-Wave 970 Series is well suited for millimeter-wave receiver development, broadband signal monitoring, test and measurement systems, high-frequency instrumentation, research platforms, and experimental systems operating across the upper microwave and millimeter-wave spectrum.

*Actual product may be different from the image shown per customers specifcations
*All data presented is collected from a sample lot.
* Actual data may vary unit to unit, slightly.
*All testing was performed under +25 °C case temperature.
*Consult factory to confirm if material, plating, size, shape, orientation and any electrical parameter is critical for the application as website information is for reference only.
*Millimeter Wave Products, Inc. reserves the right to change the information presented on website without notice as we continue to enhance the performance and design of our products.

Key Specifications (Summary)

RF Input Frequency: 60 – 90 GHz
IF Output Frequency: DC – 12 GHz
RF Input Interface: WR-12 Waveguide
RF Flange: UG-387/U
IF Output Interface: SMA Female
LO Input Interface: SMA Female

RF Downconversion Performance

Conversion Loss: 15 dB Typical (7–15 dB measured)
Noise Figure: 15 dB Typical
Input 1 dB Compression Point (P1dB): −5 dBm Typical
RF Input Power: +5 dBm Typical (+10 dBm Maximum)

Local Oscillator (LO)

LO Input Frequency: 10 – 15 GHz
LO Drive Level: +3 dBm Typical (0 to +8 dBm Tested)
LO Input Interface: SMA Female

Mechanical and Power

DC Operating Voltage: +6 to +12 VDC Typical (+15 VDC Absolute Maximum)
Supply Current: 0.2 A Typical (0.3 A Max, 0.4 A Startup)
Power Interface: Feed-through Pins
Housing Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
Finish: Gold Plated
Dimensions: 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.9 in (38.1 × 38.1 × 22.9 mm)

Interested in this product or other Mi-Wave solutions?

Contact our team to discuss your frequency range, interface needs, and application requirements.

Custom configurations are available for specialized RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave systems.

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